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Monday, 5 August 2013

Rain-washed: KKH cleared, Babusar Road blocked by landslides

The Karakoram
Highway (KKH) was cleared of debris and opened for traffic on Sunday, while
landslides destroyed parts of Babusar Road as sporadic rains continued in
Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B).

The strategic
KKH was hit by landslides at Tato Pani and Goharabad in Diamer valley following
heavy monsoon downpours which lashed G-B early Saturday. The KKH was also
blocked at Thalichi because of a landslide.

According to
some reports, a large portion of agricultural land came in the landslide’s path
in Babusar on Sunday, destroying crops and trees in its wake. “Traffic has been
diverted to the KKH following the blockage of Babusar Road,” said an official
in Chilas.

The inclement
weather has also resulted in the cancellation of flights between Islamabad and
Gilgit for a second consecutive day.

Saturday’s
hailstorm in Chilas damaged water channels in the town, disrupting its power
supply. The heavy rain spell also hit Niat Nullah, Goharabad, Birgand valleys
and the low-lying areas of Gaiser, washing away standing crop, orchards and
fields.